Same Person

July 28, 2011

It’s amazing how we change physically, but we are still the same person inside. Indeed, our age and the state of our bodies are always changing. And yet, the principles we hold true and what we think and practice regularly are more telling of who we are. The outer shell is just that, but the inner self is driven by what we’ve made habit in life. Our personality, character, and soul are what others “see” without using their eyes to judge. Are you thirty, forty, or sixty and still feel the same passion for life or do you believe your day in the sun, your moment in the spotlight, or day of glory has passed? Despite external factors that occasionally rain on our parade, we can feel the same sunshine no matter of age or physical condition.

Like the sun, our inner self anchors and reminds us of the bountiful blessings we experience on the journey. Is this your day in the sun? Oh, yes! Love is just as poignant and beautiful as when you first discovered it. Every day presents an opportunity to bask in the sunshine of life; to grow and learn from our experiences! Sure, age and physical circumstances can influence our outlook. Ask yourself who is in control of that outlook and you’ll see the person in the mirror. Are you seeing the same talents you possessed, but more refined? Do you have the same youthful energy and enthusiasm for life or loved ones? Is your faith unshakeable and confidence as high as ever? Or is your life full of the same worry, self-doubt, and disappointments? Let it not be the latter.

Passion is not just for the young, strong, and healthy. Remember that your inner glow is an eternal source of limitless influence on others. Let your light so shine as the glorious person you are and God intends for you to be!

Every 40 Minutes

July 11, 2011

WISHES DO COME TRUE

The creator's gift of life unmatched in its celebrity
In hope that all can recognize purpose and opportunity
To care for others found in need of a person, place, or thing
Little ones who want to grow to be a princess or a king
To be special in the eyes of all, police officer, athlete, or mother
Yet so precious that family and friends would have no other
To swim with nature's brightest in exotic realm
Giving hope and strength with love at the helm
Every 40 minutes, a blessing given to sponsor, presenter, or cake baker
Joy felt by all those who observe the works of our great maker
To give and to receive are both His work and intent
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is truly heaven sent!

Please continue to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  No matter what state you live in, YOU can make all the difference in the world to just one child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness.  Thank you for being their wind beneath their wings!


My unending LOVE,

To Believe

July 10, 2011


This morning started out so utterly sad upon learning of the passing of Laura.  She was younger than I.  A loving wife.  A superb mother of two children.  A monumental friend.  She endured breast cancer for as long as she possibly could.  To think we just had a benefit in her honor less than one month ago.  She took a turn for the worse this past week and with her family by her side she passed away.  Her physical and emotional pain is gone, but not for a second did she not believe that she wouldn't battle against the disease and win.

The dictionary defines the word believe as to have faith, confidence or trust.  To have firm religious belief.  To accept something as true, genuine or real.  For without believing, what are we, really?  We believe in our own selves every day of our lives.  We believe in our abilities to battle the world around us.  And we believe that we'll always come out winners.  For when there are no bullets flying over head, how bad can it be, really?  Having a friend pass away that's younger than I can truly help to put my own world in perspective.  On this 7th month of 2011, I am grateful to my family and friends who have always believed in me and my abilities.  Laura may be in eternal rest, but not first without proving to me that as long as you believe anything is possible.

May God bless Laura, her husband, her children, and her entire world of family and friends,

Taking a Stand

July 2, 2011

Taking a Stand for Independence


We arrive at summer's first three day weekend. More than that, we arrive at an important anniversary, a milestone in our nation's rich history. A legacy founded on an act of defiance, backed by our creator, and understood by men willing to sign their own arrest warrant and possibly face a death sentence. Such defining moments in life make all the difference. Rather than accepting the rule of royalty, earned only by birth, our fellow Americans took a stand. The odds weren't good for our start-up nation, but would they improve if our oppressor had a soldier posted at the entrance of every home? Patrick Henry thought not in response to the very question he posed to others. "Give me liberty or give me death" will always be part of our heritage. As the signers of the Declaration of Independence believed, as well as generations of Americans since, we value freedom more than life under false rule.

So what can we take from all the celebrations and fireworks? Surely we take pride in our government and rule by the people. More importantly, we too can take a stand! Like those who fought for or sustained our freedoms with their own lives, we can support our continued freedoms through our community involvement and by ruling our own lives. When observing fireworks or hearing our National Anthem, we can strengthen our own resolve to be steady in times of stress at work, school, or at home. We will win our battles if we take a stand, trust in ourselves and God, and perservere to the end.

The splendid life of free people comes with many trials, but few are like the perils of battle that fireworks symbolize. Why find fault with those who stand by us in the struggle of life, when very few experience the real explosions and danger of battle overhead? Take a stand to be kind to others. Be graceful under pressure with a gratitude for life, freedom, and a creator who casts sun and rain on all His children. May we learn from what others have achieved and granted to us with their sacrifice. May we improve our perspective on July 4th, our Day of Independence, when we celebrate our freedoms, pursue what gives us happiness, and choose to be good citizens of this fine country.

May God bless you now and forever,